The Jammu and Kashmir government has approved the distribution of additional food grains free of cost to Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) households with four or more members under the Public Distribution System (PDS). The initiative aims to enhance food security for the region’s most vulnerable families and fulfills a key commitment made in the Budget 2025-26.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah described the decision as a “major pro-people” measure, reinforcing the government’s focus on supporting economically weaker sections. The additional food grain allocation will be structured to ensure that the total entitlement under all PDS schemes, including provisions under the National Food Security Act, does not exceed 10 kilograms per individual in AAY households.
As per the revised allocation, a four-member AAY household will receive an additional 5 kilograms of food grains, while a five-member family will get 15 kilograms. A six-member household will be entitled to 25 kilograms, with the allocation increasing proportionally for larger families.
At present, AAY households receive 35 kilograms of food grains per month free of cost. The additional supply will be provided based on the availability of rice under the Open Market Sale Scheme (Domestic), ensuring uninterrupted access to essential food supplies for beneficiaries.
The government order further stated that when the Department of Food & Public Distribution resumes the sale of wheat, options will be explored to provide wheat and wheat flour, subject to approval from the competent authority.
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To facilitate the implementation of the initiative, the Finance Department has been authorised to provide additional budgetary support, which will later be reimbursed into the revolving fund accounts of the respective directorates handling food grain distribution.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah shared the order on social media, reaffirming the government’s commitment to ensuring food security for economically disadvantaged households. He emphasised that each eligible beneficiary within an AAY household would receive up to 10 kilograms of food grains, strengthening efforts to provide essential nutrition to the most vulnerable sections of society.
This measure is expected to offer significant relief to AAY families across Jammu and Kashmir while reinforcing the government’s broader welfare initiatives.
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